Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers in Saco, Maine
Being accused of domestic violence in Saco, Maine, can have devastating consequences, affecting your freedom, reputation, and future. Whether the allegations stem from a dispute with a spouse, partner, family member, or roommate, a conviction can result in jail time, protective orders, firearm restrictions, and a permanent criminal record. Even if the claims are exaggerated or based on misunderstandings, prosecutors take these cases seriously and aggressively pursue convictions.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Saco understand that every case has two sides. We fight to challenge weak evidence, expose inconsistencies, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, our team provides a strategic and aggressive defense aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. Don’t let an accusation determine your future—contact our criminal defense attorneys today to start building your defense.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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Domestic violence defined in Maine
In Maine, domestic violence refers to any abusive behavior occurring between individuals with a close personal relationship. This includes spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, dating partners, and family members. The abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or financial, and does not always involve visible injuries.
Under Maine law, domestic violence offenses encompass a broad range of criminal charges, including:
- Domestic Violence Assault (Maine Revised Statutes §207-A) – Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury or offensive contact to a household or family member.
- Domestic Violence Terrorizing (§210-B) – Making threats of violence that cause fear of serious harm.
- Domestic Violence Stalking (§210-C) – Engaging in a pattern of behavior that causes a person to fear for their safety.
- Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening (§209-A) – Using words or actions to make a victim reasonably believe they are in imminent danger.
- Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct (§211-A) – Engaging in dangerous conduct that creates a substantial risk of injury.
- Domestic Violence Strangulation (§208-D) – Restricting another person’s breathing by applying pressure to the throat or neck.
If you are accused of domestic violence in Saco, Maine, securing an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, we fight to protect your rights, challenge weak evidence, and build a strategic defense to secure the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Types of domestic violence Offenses in Saco
Domestic violence charges in Saco, Maine, encompass a wide range of offenses, each carrying significant legal, personal, and professional consequences. Prosecutors in Maine aggressively pursue domestic violence cases, and a conviction can result in severe penalties, including jail time, restraining orders, firearm restrictions, and a permanent criminal record. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, it is vital to understand the various types of offenses to help build a strong defense.
Domestic Violence Assault
Domestic violence assault occurs when someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily harm or offensive physical contact to a family or household member. This charge can involve:
- Hitting, punching, or slapping
- Choking or strangulation (which can escalate to felony charges)
- Throwing objects, spitting, or other forms of aggressive physical conduct
Even minor physical contact can lead to serious charges, including misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the incident or prior offenses.
Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening
Domestic violence criminal threatening involves verbal threats or actions intended to instill fear of imminent harm. Examples of this offense include:
- Threatening to inflict physical harm or death
- Displaying a weapon in a threatening manner
- Making statements designed to invoke fear
Since these cases often lack physical evidence, working with an experienced defense attorney is critical to challenge the credibility of the allegations and protect your rights.
Domestic Violence Terrorizing
Domestic violence terrorizing charges arise when an individual makes threats that cause the victim to fear for their safety or the safety of others. Common situations that lead to terrorizing charges include:
- Threatening harm to a partner, child, or household member
- Statements that suggest violent intentions, even without action
- Situations involving emotional distress or coercion
A conviction for terrorizing can lead to significant legal penalties, including jail time, fines, and long-term restraining orders, which can severely impact your future.
Domestic Violence Stalking
Stalking charges are related to a pattern of behavior that causes an individual to fear for their safety. These behaviors may include:
- Repeated unwanted contact, such as calls, texts, or messages
- Following the victim or showing up at their home or workplace
- Tracking, monitoring, or attempting to control someone’s movements
In stalking cases, a protective order is often issued, which can have significant personal and legal consequences.
Domestic Violence Sexual Assault
Domestic violence sexual assault includes any non-consensual sexual contact between intimate partners, even within marriage. These offenses include:
- Forcing or coercing sexual acts
- Marital rape
- Engaging in sexual activity with an incapacitated or unwilling partner
Sexual assault is classified as a felony in Maine, and those convicted face severe penalties, including prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and long-lasting consequences.
Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct
Reckless conduct charges occur when someone engages in dangerous behavior that puts a partner or family member at risk. Common examples include:
- Discharging a firearm recklessly in a domestic setting
- Driving aggressively with a partner or child in the car
- Handling weapons or other objects in a threatening manner
This charge can result in misdemeanor or felony penalties, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Protecting Your Rights After Domestic Violence Charges
If you are facing domestic violence charges in Saco, Maine, it is essential to act quickly. These cases are taken seriously, and even a false accusation can lead to life-altering consequences. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys have the expertise to challenge weak evidence, expose inconsistencies, and provide a robust defense to protect your rights.
Don’t let a domestic violence accusation define your future—contact us today to discuss your case and start building a strategic defense.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Penalties for domestic violence convictions in Maine
A domestic violence conviction in Saco can have severe, long-lasting consequences that affect every aspect of your life. Whether you are facing your first charge or have been accused multiple times, the legal system in Maine treats domestic violence offenses with great seriousness. Even a first-time conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and restrictions on your personal rights. If you are facing charges, understanding the potential penalties for domestic violence convictions is essential to protecting your future and making informed decisions about your defense strategy.
Penalties for a First-Time Domestic Violence Offense
If you are charged with domestic violence assault for the first time in Saco, the offense is typically classified as a Class D misdemeanor under Maine law. The penalties for a first-time conviction can be severe and may include:
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Mandatory probation and participation in domestic violence counseling programs
- Protective orders that may prevent contact with the alleged victim
Even if you avoid jail time, a conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record, which can severely impact your future job prospects, housing options, and firearm rights.
Penalties for a Second Domestic Violence Offense
A second domestic violence charge is treated much more harshly, particularly if the alleged victim is the same person. With a prior conviction, the charge is often upgraded to a Class C felony, resulting in:
- Up to 5 years in state prison
- Fines up to $5,000
- Stricter probation terms, which may include mandatory participation in domestic violence intervention programs
- Longer protective orders, which may restrict contact with children, family members, or others involved
Maine prosecutors are especially aggressive when pursuing repeat offenders, and the potential penalties increase significantly with each conviction. This makes it even more crucial to have a skilled criminal defense attorney working to build a strong case on your behalf.
Penalties for Repeat Domestic Violence Offenders
For individuals with multiple domestic violence convictions, or if the alleged offense involves aggravating factors—such as strangulation, the use of a weapon, or serious bodily harm—the charges may escalate to felony-level offenses with enhanced penalties. These penalties can include:
- Extended prison sentences beyond five years
- Permanent firearm restrictions
- Inability to contact family members after serving your sentence, even if a protective order was previously in place
- Deportation for non-citizens or significant immigration consequences
In addition, violating a protection order or bail conditions during a domestic violence case can result in additional criminal charges, further complicating your legal situation and leading to harsher penalties.
Additional Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
A domestic violence conviction in Maine can result in far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond jail time and fines. It’s crucial to understand these collateral consequences to fully assess the impact of the charges against you and take proactive steps to protect your future.
Impact on Child Custody and Parental Rights
If you are a parent facing domestic violence charges, your ability to maintain custody or visitation rights could be significantly impacted. In Maine, family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and a domestic violence conviction may result in:
- Loss of custody or restricted visitation due to safety concerns
- Supervised visitation requirements, meaning you will only be allowed to spend time with your child under the observation of a third party
- Difficulty in modifying custody agreements in the future, even if the circumstances change
Even if the allegations are exaggerated or false, a domestic violence charge can negatively influence family court proceedings, making it essential to have a criminal defense lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your parental rights.
Firearm Restrictions
Under both Maine state law and federal law, a domestic violence conviction results in a permanent ban on firearm ownership. This restriction applies regardless of whether the conviction is for a misdemeanor or felony. Violating this prohibition is a federal offense, which could result in additional criminal charges and extended prison sentences. If you depend on firearms for personal safety, recreation, or professional purposes, this ban could severely limit your freedoms.
Employment and Housing Challenges
A criminal record related to domestic violence can create significant barriers to employment and housing. Employers routinely conduct background checks, and a conviction for a violent offense can disqualify you from many job opportunities, especially in industries like healthcare, law enforcement, education, and government.
Housing can also be impacted, as landlords may deny rental applications based on criminal history, and rental agreements may be terminated if a domestic violence conviction violates lease terms. Additionally, public housing eligibility may be compromised, limiting your housing options.
Professional Licensing and Immigration Consequences
For individuals holding professional licenses (e.g., medical, legal, teaching certifications), a domestic violence conviction could result in disciplinary actions or even license revocation. This could severely disrupt your career and financial security.
For non-U.S. citizens, a domestic violence conviction can possibly result in deportation, visa denial, or difficulty in obtaining citizenship. Immigration authorities treat domestic violence offenses seriously, and convictions can result in long-term immigration challenges.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
Penalties for Violating Protection From Abuse Orders in Maine
If the abused party files a protective order, any violation of a protection from abuse order can lead to severe consequences. A Protection from Abuse Order issued by the court prohibits any contact and prevents further abuse.
If an individual violates the no-contact restrictions, they will be charged with a class D misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.00.
If an individual chooses to violate the PFA again or is charged with another crime of domestic violence, they will be facing a class C felony, and punished accordingly. Under Maine law, a class C felony carries the possibility of up to 5 years in state prison, a fine of $5,000.00 and 3 years of probation.
Have You Been Charged with Domestic Violence in Maine? (Video)
Contact Our Saco Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
If you have been charged with domestic violence in Saco, Maine, it’s critical to act quickly. The penalties for domestic violence convictions are severe and can affect not only your freedom but also your long-term prospects. At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and challenging the evidence against you.
Whether this is your first offense or a repeat charge, we are here to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building your defense.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI lawyers, serving Southern Maine, today.
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